Patrick Oconnell
Baked macaroni and cheese is a popular dish that can be served as a comforting dinner or a holiday side. While there are many ways to make it, the best recipes are those that result in a creamy, cheesy dish with a crunchy, buttery topping. The secret to achieving this is to toss the macaroni in butter before baking to prevent it from bloating and to ensure there is plenty of sauce. The type of cheese used can vary, but it is recommended to grate your own cheese for the best texture and flavour.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Ease of making | Easy |
| Baking time | 20-45 minutes |
| Baking temperature | 350°F-375°F |
| Pasta | Elbow macaroni, cooked al dente |
| Toppings | Butter, breadcrumbs, cheese, panko, Ritz crackers, Parmesan, paprika |
| Sauce | White, creamy, made with milk, butter, and cheese |
| Add-ins | Shredded chicken, sautéed onion, bell peppers, bacon, hot sauce, dried herbs, hot dogs, glazed carrots |
| Storage | Can be stored in the fridge for 3-5 days |
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
How to make a creamy cheese sauce
To make a creamy cheese sauce for macaroni and cheese, you can start by making a roux with butter and flour. Warm some milk and gently add it to the roux, stirring as you go to prevent lumps from forming. Keep stirring until the sauce thickens, then add in your shredded cheese. Season with salt and pepper, and add spices like nutmeg, mustard powder, ground mustard, onion powder, garlic powder, or even a little nutmeg for extra flavour. You can also add cream cheese to make the sauce extra creamy and delicious.
For a smooth sauce, it's important to add the cheese gradually, allowing it to melt fully before adding more. You can also try adding a spoonful of Dijon mustard or jalapeno juice for a kick. If you want to make a bechamel sauce, you can use equal parts butter and flour, browning the flour slowly over medium-low heat before slowly adding the milk and whisking to prevent lumps.
For the cheese, you can use a combination of your favourites, such as cheddar, gruyere, gouda, smoked gouda, swiss, monterey jack, colby jack, or parmesan. Grating your own cheese will ensure it melts better and creates a smoother sauce. You can also add in cream cheese to make the sauce extra creamy.
To prevent your macaroni from becoming bloated and overcooked, slightly undercook the pasta and lightly coat it in butter before adding the sauce. This will create a thin film of protection so the pasta doesn't absorb too much liquid during baking.
Cheese for Babies: What's Safe and Nutritious?
You may want to see also
Choosing the right pasta
When cooking the pasta, follow the package instructions for the al dente texture, but reduce the cooking time by about a minute. This ensures that the pasta retains a slight bite and doesn't turn soggy. Additionally, don't forget to salt the water when boiling the pasta, as this enhances its flavour.
To prevent the pasta from absorbing too much liquid and becoming bloated during baking, it's advisable to cool the cooked pasta slightly and lightly coat it with butter. This creates a thin protective film that slows down liquid absorption. Using room temperature or slightly warm milk can also help in this regard, as cold liquids tend to take longer to thicken.
The type of pasta you choose can also impact the overall texture and consistency of the dish. Opting for a tubular pasta shape helps capture and hold the creamy cheese sauce within its ridges and curves. This ensures each bite is packed with flavour and has a delightful mouthfeel.
Lastly, when mixing the pasta with the cheese sauce, be gentle to avoid breaking the pasta. You want the cheese sauce to coat the pasta evenly without turning it into a mushy mess. The key to achieving the perfect baked macaroni and cheese is to strike a balance between cooking the pasta just right and combining it with a generous amount of creamy, dreamy cheese sauce.
The Best Cheeses to Sprinkle on Your Spaghetti Bolognese
You may want to see also
Adding extra ingredients
Baked macaroni and cheese is a versatile dish that can be adapted to suit your taste preferences. Here are some ideas for adding extra ingredients to enhance the flavour and texture of your baked macaroni and cheese:
Cheesy Goodness
For an extra cheesy kick, try adding more than one type of cheese to your recipe. Experiment with combinations of cheeses such as sharp cheddar, Gruyère, mozzarella, gouda, smoked gouda, Swiss, Monterey Jack, Colby Jack, Colby, pepper jack, or even a little Parmesan. Grating your own cheese can make a big difference in the creaminess of the sauce. Pre-shredded cheese often contains anti-caking agents, resulting in a grainy or powdery texture.
Meat Lovers
For a heartier meal, consider adding some shredded chicken or bacon to your macaroni and cheese. Hot dogs are another fun option to mix things up. Just be mindful of the richness of the dish, as too many heavy add-ins can be overwhelming.
Veggie Delight
If you're looking for a vegetarian option or simply want to incorporate more vegetables, sautéed onions, bell peppers, and carrots can be a tasty addition. Not only do they add flavour, but they also provide a colourful contrast to the creamy pasta.
Spicy Kick
To turn up the heat, add some hot sauce or dried herbs of your choice. A little bit of paprika or ground mustard can also add a nice tang without being too spicy.
Toppings
While not exactly an extra ingredient, the topping you choose can make a big difference. For a crispy, crunchy texture, consider using breadcrumbs or panko. You can even mix in some crushed Ritz crackers or Parmesan cheese for an extra indulgent touch.
Cheese and IBS: What's the Safest Option?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Baking tips
Baked macaroni and cheese is a popular dish that can be adapted in many ways. Here are some tips to help you make the best-baked macaroni and cheese:
Pasta
Use elbow macaroni or any other tubular pasta. Avoid overcooking the pasta as it will continue to cook in the oven and you don't want it to get mushy. Boil the pasta for less time than you normally would, and it should be slightly under al dente. You can also toss the cooked pasta in butter to prevent it from absorbing too much liquid and becoming bloated.
Cheese
Use freshly grated cheese instead of pre-shredded cheese, as it melts more smoothly and doesn't contain additives. You can use a combination of cheeses, such as cheddar, Gruyere, mozzarella, gouda, smoked gouda, Swiss, Monterey Jack, Colby Jack, or pepper jack. Add extra cheese to the topping for a crispier texture.
Sauce
Make a roux by whisking equal parts butter and flour until bubbly and golden, then whisk in cold milk to create a creamy sauce. You can also add an egg to the sauce for a richer texture. Stir constantly while adding milk to avoid lumps. If you want a tangier sauce, add dry mustard.
Baking
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a baking dish with butter or non-stick cooking spray. Combine the cooked pasta with the sauce and any additional toppings, such as breadcrumbs or crushed crackers. Bake uncovered for 30-45 minutes, until the top is golden brown and crispy.
Add-ins
Feel free to add shredded chicken, sautéed onion, bell peppers, bacon, hot sauce, or dried herbs to your macaroni and cheese for extra flavour. You can also serve it with a fresh green salad or a simple vegetable side dish.
Cheese and Salads: The Perfect Match
You may want to see also
How to make it ahead of time
Making macaroni and cheese ahead of time is a great way to save time and effort, especially when preparing for a busy day or a special occasion. Here are some detailed instructions on how to make baked macaroni and cheese ahead of time, ensuring it stays delicious and fresh:
Plan and Prepare:
Before starting, decide on the quantity of macaroni and cheese required. This will influence the amount of pasta and cheese sauce needed. Plan to make a generous amount, as baked macaroni and cheese is a popular dish that often disappears quickly!
Cook the Pasta:
Slightly undercook the pasta, as it will continue to cook in the oven and absorb the cheese sauce. Aim for a firm texture, about one minute less than al dente. Drain the pasta and set it aside to cool slightly. A light coating of butter can be added to prevent the macaroni from absorbing too much liquid and becoming bloated.
Cheese Sauce:
Prepare a rich and creamy cheese sauce by using a combination of cheeses. Shred or grate the cheese yourself for the best melting quality. Cheddar, Gruyere, Monterey Jack, Colby, and Mozzarella are popular choices. Create a smooth sauce by gradually adding milk to the cheese and stirring constantly to avoid lumps. Season with salt and pepper, and dry mustard for a tangy sharpness.
Assembly:
In a large bowl, combine the slightly cooled pasta with the cheese sauce. Stir quickly and adjust seasoning to taste. Transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish. Sprinkle a breadcrumb topping for a crunchy texture. You can use Panko breadcrumbs or regular breadcrumbs, and even add Parmesan for extra flavour.
Refrigerate:
Cover the assembled macaroni and cheese tightly with foil and refrigerate for up to 1-2 days ahead of time. This step ensures that the dish stays fresh and the flavours develop. It's important to note that the dish may lose some creaminess when made ahead, so consider increasing the amount of sauce slightly.
Baking:
On the day of serving, preheat the oven to the recommended temperature, typically around 350°F (175°C). Let the dish sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before baking. Bake for 25 to 45 minutes, depending on the recipe and your preferred level of browning and crispness. For a crispy top, uncover the dish during the last 10-15 minutes of baking.
Making baked macaroni and cheese ahead of time is a convenient option, and with these steps, you can ensure a delicious and crowd-pleasing dish. Enjoy the cheesy goodness!
Chili Cheese Fries: Who Serves the Best?
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
There are many variations of baked macaroni and cheese recipes, so it's hard to pinpoint the single best recipe. However, a common ingredient across recipes is the use of a combination of cheeses, such as sharp cheddar, Gruyere, mozzarella, jack cheese, and more. The key to a creamy sauce is to start with a roux, which is equal parts butter and flour cooked together, and then whisk in milk.
Elbow pasta is a common choice for baked macaroni and cheese, but any tubular pasta will work. Just be sure not to overcook the pasta since it will continue to cook in the oven.
Depending on the recipe, baking times can range from 10 minutes to 35 minutes at temperatures between 350°F to 375°F. If you are baking the macaroni and cheese after refrigerating it, increase the baking time to 20-30 minutes.
Yes, you can make macaroni and cheese ahead of time, but it may lose some of its creaminess. It's recommended to cool the pasta, toss it with the sauce, add a topping, and then refrigerate or freeze until ready to bake.
To ensure a creamy macaroni and cheese, use whole milk, half-and-half, or a combination of both. Medium cheddar cheese is also recommended as it has more moisture and melts more easily than sharper cheddars. Grating your own cheese can also make a difference, as pre-grated store-bought cheese can make the sauce grainy.
